Standpipe with flow restriction valve, and filter cartridge

ABSTRACT

A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that a filter cartridge is present to safe-guard against damage to fuel injectors, associated fuel components, etc. and engine malfunctions. Fuel flow to the engine is prevented altogether or permitted in an amount insufficient to allow engine operation if a filter cartridge is not installed, and an appropriately designed filter cartridge is required to be used in order to permit sufficient fuel flow for engine operation. In one embodiment, a flow restriction valve is provided that includes a ball.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.11/937,700 filed on Nov. 9, 2007, pending, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/780,176 filed onJul. 19, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure generally pertains to the field of filtration, and moreparticularly to fuel filtration systems designed to safe-guard againstdamage to fuel injectors, associated fuel components, and enginemalfunctions resulting from a missing or incorrect fuel filter.

BACKGROUND

Fuel filtration systems are known that are designed to prevent flow offuel to an engine if no filter cartridge is installed or in theincorrect filter cartridge is installed. In these “no filter, no run”systems, not only must a filter be present, but the correct filter mustbe used, in order to allow fuel to flow to the engine.

SUMMARY

A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify thata filter cartridge is present to safe-guard against damage to fuelinjectors, associated fuel components, etc. and engine malfunctions.Fuel flow to the engine is prevented altogether or permitted in anamount insufficient to allow engine operation if a filter cartridge isnot installed, and an appropriately designed filter cartridge isrequired to be used in order to permit sufficient fuel flow for engineoperation.

In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a flow restriction valvecontrolling fluid flow to an outlet. The flow restriction valve includesa ball disposed on a sloped track, and the track includes a step thatseparates the sloped track into sloped track sections. The flowrestriction valve is used in a filter housing, for example a fuel filterhousing, that has a standpipe that incorporates the flow restrictionvalve to control fluid flow into a flow passage of the standpipe.

When a filter cartridge is not installed, or when an incorrect filtercartridge is installed, the ball is movable to a blocking positionpreventing flow into the standpipe. When the correct filter cartridge isinstalled, the ball is prevented from moving to the blocking position bya suitable blocking means. Suitable blocking means include a pinconnected to a suitable part of the filter cartridge, for example an endplate or a center tube, a pin connected to a lid of the filter housingthat is designed to extend downwardly through an end plate of the filtercartridge into a position to block the ball, or a pin that is installedseparately from the filter cartridge. It is to be noted that the filtercartridge can be a filter-in-filter design, a single filter design, orany other type of filter design.

In another embodiment, a filter housing includes a housing body having aside wall and an end wall defining a filter cartridge space. The endwall forms a closed end of the filter cartridge space, and the body hasan open end opposite the end wall. A standpipe extends from the end wallalong a longitudinal axis into the filter cartridge space toward theopen end. The standpipe is generally oval shaped in lateralcross-section, and includes an internal flow passage and an opening inthe standpipe that places the internal flow passage in communicationwith the filter cartridge space. A generally oval, conically shapedstructure is disposed at an upper end of the standpipe. The structureaids in automatically aligning a filter cartridge during installation.

In another embodiment, a filter cartridge includes a filter mediasuitable for filtering a fluid. The filter media has a first end, asecond end opposite the first end, and a clean fluid side. A first endplate is connected to first end of the filter media, and a blocking pinis connected to the first end plate by ribs and extends into the cleanfluid side. A skirt surrounds the blocking pin and the ribs. A secondend plate is connected to the second end of the filter media. The secondend plate includes a hole that allows passage of a fluid passagewaymember therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a filter assembly that includes a filtercartridge in a filter housing.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the filter housing with the lid removedto show the interior of the housing.

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the outer filter upper end plate.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inner filter upper end plate.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and side cross-sectional views,respectively, of the inner filter lower end plate.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outer filter lower end plate.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the flow restriction valve at the upper endof the standpipe.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an end view and a side cross-sectional view,respectively, of the valve cage of the flow restriction valve.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are a perspective view, a side view and a sidecross-sectional view, respectively, of the valve cap of the flowrestriction valve.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a seal for use in sealing the top opening ofthe valve cap.

FIG. 12 is an end view of an embodiment of an oval seal for sealing withthe standpipe.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another embodiment of a seal between afilter cartridge and the standpipe.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate yet another embodiment of a seal between afilter cartridge and the standpipe.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a flow restriction valve using aseparate pin to block the ball.

FIG. 16A is a sectional perspective view of a housing body with a valveat the base of the filter housing.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a filter cartridgewith a ventral fin useable with the embodiment of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view looking from above of the base of thefilter housing of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is a sectional perspective view of the filter cartridgepartially installed in the filter housing.

FIG. 16E is a sectional perspective view of the filter cartridge fullyinstalled in the filter housing.

FIG. 16F is a side view of the ventral fin of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 16B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a filter assembly 10, for example a fuel filterassembly, which is intended to filter a fluid, for example diesel fuel,and remove water from the fluid before the fluid reaches a protectedsystem, for example a fuel injection pump and fuel injectors. Thisdescription will hereinafter describe the fluid as fuel. However, it isto be realized that the concepts described herein can be used for otherfluids. In addition, in appropriate circumstances, the conceptsdescribed herein can be used to remove contaminants other than waterfrom the fluid. And, in appropriate circumstances, one or more of theconcepts described herein can be applied to other types of filterassemblies that filter other types of fluids, for example lubrication,hydraulic and other liquids, as well as air.

The assembly 10 includes a filter housing 12 that is designed to receivea filter cartridge 14 therein for filtering the fluid. The filterhousing 12 includes a housing body that has a side wall 16 and an endwall 18. The side wall 16 and the end wall 18 define a filter cartridgespace 20 that is large enough to receive the filter cartridge 14therein, with the end wall 18 forming a closed end of the space 20. Thehousing body has an open end generally opposite the end wall 18, withthe open end in use being closed by a lid 22 that closes off the space20. The housing body also includes an inlet opening 24, illustrated inFIG. 2, through which fuel to be filtered enters the space 20, and anoutlet 26, illustrated as extending from the end wall 18, through whichfuel exits on its way to the engine. It is to be realized that thefilter housing 12 could have other configurations than that describedherein.

A fluid passageway member in the form of a standpipe 30 is secured tothe end wall 18 and extends upwardly into the space 20 toward the openend and the cap 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the standpipe 30 isgenerally hollow from its end 32 connected to the end wall 18 to a tipend 34 thereof thereby defining an internal flow passage 36. The flowpassage 36 is in communication with the outlet 26 so that fuel thatenters the standpipe 30 can flow from the standpipe and into the outlet26 to the engine. The standpipe 30 is disposed in the housing 12 whichhas a central axis A-A. In some embodiments, the axis A-A of the housing12 can be off-center of the housing.

With reference to FIG. 2, the standpipe 30 is illustrated as beingoval-shaped from the end 32 to the tip end 34. An example of an ovalstandpipe is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,349, which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. While this disclosure will describethe standpipe as being oval-shaped, it is to be realized that theconcepts described herein could be used, individually or in variouscombinations, with a circular-shaped standpipe and with standpipeshaving other shapes.

A flow restriction valve 50 is disposed at the tip end of the standpipe30 to control the flow of fuel into the standpipe. The valve 50 canprevent fuel flow into the standpipe when the filter cartridge 14 is notinstalled or when an incorrect filter cartridge is installed. In someembodiments described herein, when the filter cartridge 14 or otherappropriately designed filter cartridge is installed, the filtercartridge is designed to interact with the valve in such a manner as tokeep the valve from preventing fuel flow into the standpipe. An exampleof a valve operating in this manner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,884,349.

Filter Cartridge

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the filter cartridge 14 is illustrated asbeing of a filter-in-filter type with an inner filter 60 and an outerfilter 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner filter 60 isdesigned to snap-fit connect with the outer filter 62 during assembly ofthe cartridge 14 to form an integral unit.

The inner filter 60 includes a ring of filter media 64, an upper endplate 66 secured to an upper end of the media 64, and a lower end plate68 secured to a bottom end of the media 64. Likewise, the outer filter62 includes a ring of filter media 70, an upper end plate 72 secured toan upper end of the media 70, and a lower end plate 74 secured to abottom end of the media 70. The end plates 66, 68, 72, 74 are formed ofa suitable material, for example plastic.

Fuel can include water therein in different forms, including free water,e.g. droplets, and emulsified water. Preferably, the filter media 70 isdesigned so that free water is initially stripped out when fuel entersthe filter from the outside. The free water does not penetrate the media70 and remains substantially outside the filter. The media 70 alsocoalesces the majority of the emulsified water and separates the nowcoalesced water from the fuel. The media 70 also retains soft and solidcontaminants from the fuel. Water, being heavier than fuel, settles downto the bottom of the filter cartridge 14, and drains through openings toa water collection area at the base of the housing 12. By the time thefuel interfaces with the media 64, most of the water has been separated,and the media 64 filters particles from the fuel before the fuel entersthe center of the filter cartridge. The media 64 also strips remainingwater from the fuel and prevents the water from entering the media 64.The filtered fuel then enters the standpipe 30 and flows to the outlet26, leading to a downstream protected component, for example a fuelpump.

The outside of the filter media 64 generally faces the interior of thefilter media 70 of the filter 62, with the inside of the ring of media64 defining a clean or filtered fuel side of the filter cartridge 14 andthe outside of the media 70 defining a dirty or unfiltered fuel side,whereby the filter cartridge is configured for outside-in flow. Inappropriate circumstances, the concepts described herein can be appliedto inside-out type flow filter cartridges.

The upper endplate 72, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a firstgenerally circular, horizontal plate 80. A flange 82 extends downwardlyfrom the plate 80 and angles slightly outwardly, with the end of theflange 82 connected to a ring 84 that is generally horizontal. Thebottom surface of the ring 84 is suitably attached to the upper end ofthe filter media 70, for example using an adhesive or using heat to fusethe ring 84 to the filter media.

The plate 80 and the flange 82 define a hollowed-out area 86 thatreceives the end of the inner filter 60 as shown in FIG. 3. This permitsuse of a longer inner filter to increase the amount of filter media forfiltering.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the edge of the plate 80 extends pastthe flange 82 to form a circumferential lip 90. A mechanism is providedfor connecting the lid 22 to the filter cartridge 14 via the end plate72. In particular, a plurality of resilient fingers 92 projectdownwardly from the lid 22. Each finger 92 includes an enlarged end 94by which the fingers 92 snap fit over the lip 90. The lid 22 alsoincludes internal threads 96 which engage with external threads 98formed at the upper end of the side wall 16 by which the lid 22 can bescrewed onto the housing body.

In use, the filter cartridge 14 can be connected to the lid 22 prior toinserting the cartridge into the housing, after which the lid 22 isthreaded onto the side wall 16. The fingers 92 can slide on the outeredge of the lip 90 to allow the lid 22 to rotate relative to the upperend plate 72. Alternatively, the cartridge 14 can first be installed inthe housing, and thereafter the lid 22 connected to the cartridge viathe fingers 92 and the lid 22 threaded onto the wall 16. Removal of thelid 22 occurs by unscrewing the lid and lifting the lid and cartridge 14together from the housing. As the lid 22 is lifted upward, the ends 94of the fingers 92 engage the lip 90, causing the cartridge 14 to belifted upwards as well. The cartridge 14 can then be removed from thelid 22 by manually deflecting the ends of the fingers 92 outward todisengage from the lip 90.

If desired, a handle can be attached to the upper surface of the plate80 to facilitate handling of the cartridge 14, for example lifting ofthe cartridge from the housing. However, the lip 90 also provides ameans to allow a user to grab the caihidge 14 and lift it from thehousing. Therefore, the handle is optional.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 5, the upper end plate 66 of the inner filter 60includes a generally circular, horizontal plate 110. The plate 110includes a perimeter portion 112 that is suitably attached to the upperend of the filter media 64, for example using an adhesive or using heatto fuse the portion 112 to the filter media 64. A pin 114 projectsdownwardly from the center of the plate 110. The pin 114 is designed tointeract with the valve 50 in a manner to be described below. The pin114 is connected to the plate 110 via four stiffening ribs 116 whichprovide stiffening to the pin 114.

Extending downward from the plate 110, and surrounding the pin 114 andribs 116, is a protective skirt 118. The skirt 118 includes a solidcircumferential base portion 120 that connects to the plate 110 and tothe ends of the ribs 116, and a plurality of spaced tabs 122 extendingfrom the base portion 120. The tabs 122 have a generally constant widthfrom their point of attachment to the base portion 120 to tip endsthereof. A gap 124 is provided between each tab 122, the purpose ofwhich will be described below.

The lower end plate 68 of the inner filter 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 3,6A and 6B. The end plate 68 includes a generally ring shaped, horizontalplate 130 which is suitably attached to the bottom end of the filtermedia 64, for example using an adhesive or using heat to fuse the plate130 to the filter media. A standpipe hole 132 is formed at the center ofthe plate 130 which is configured to allow passage of the standpipe 30.In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 132 is has a shape similar tothe shape of the standpipe 30, for example oval. However, if thestandpipe has a different shape, for example circular, then the hole 132can have a shape, for example circular, similar to the shape of thestandpipe.

A seal support 134, for example a flange, extends downwardly from theplate 130 for supporting a seal 138 (visible in FIG. 3) designed to sealwith the outside surface of the standpipe 30 when the filter cartridgeis installed. The support 134 can extend around the entire perimeter ofthe hole 132, or only around portions thereof. An inwardly extendingledge 136 is formed at the base of the support 134 for supporting thebottom of the seal 138. The seal 138 extends over the majority of theheight of the support 134 and includes an intermediate, inwardlyextending ridge 140 that in use seals with the standpipe.

The seal 138 can have any shape suitable for sealing with the outside ofthe standpipe. For example, in the case of an oval shaped standpipe, theseal can be oval shaped; for a circular standpipe, the seal can becircular. In addition, the seal 138 can be secured to the support 134 inany suitable mariner. For example, the seal 138 can be securing to thesupport 134 by interference fit, adhesives, etc.

A plurality of flexible connection arms 142 are connected to the bottomof the plate 130 near the outer edge thereof, and extend downwardly fromthe plate 130 at an angle α, for example 20 degrees. The arms 142 canbe, in the illustrated example, positioned at equally spaced intervalsaround the plate, although the spacing could be other than equal. Inaddition, in the illustrated embodiment there are four arms 142,although a larger or smaller number of arms 142 could be used. The arms142 each extend at an angle so that ends 144 of the arms are positionedradially beyond the outer edge of the plate 130 (FIG. 6B). The arms 142also help create a gap between the filter media 64, 70.

The arms 142 are used to help connect the lower end plate 68 of theinner filter 60 to the lower end plate 74 of the outer filter 62. Theend plate 74, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, includes a generallyring-shaped, horizontal plate 150 which is suitably attached to thebottom end of the filter media 70, for example using an adhesive orusing heat to fuse the plate 150 to the filter media. The plate 150surrounds a hole 152 through which the inner filter 60 can be insertedinto the outer filter 62. The hole 152 is defined by a flange 154 thatextends downwardly from the plate 150 around the entire perimeter of thehole 152 to help define the hole.

An inwardly extending ledge 156 is formed at the base of the flange 154.The ledge 156 forms a seat to receive the ends of the arms 142 of thelower end plate 68 of the inner filter 60 thereon as seen in FIG. 3. Theouter diameter formed by the ends of the arms 142 is preferably greaterthan the inner diameter of the inner edge of the ledge 156 so that thearms 142 are compressed inward as the inner filter 60 is inserted intothe outer filter 62. Once the ends of the arms 142 clear the ledge 156,the ends 144 spring outward to the position shown in FIG. 3. Thus, thedesign of the arms 142, the flange 154 and the ledge 156 form a snap fitconnection between the filters 60, 62. In addition, relative rotationalmovement is permitted between the outer filter 62 and the inner filter60 about the central axis A-A to permit alignment of the opening 132with the standpipe 30.

Returning to FIG. 7, a slot 158 is formed around the outer perimeter ofthe flange 154 of the lower end plate 74. The slot 158 receives a seal160 therein that is designed to seal with an interior surface of theside wall 16 of the housing as shown in FIG. 1.

Flow Restriction Valve

The flow restriction valve 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.1 and 8-11. The valve 50 is used to control the flow of fuel into thestandpipe 30 and to the outlet 26. In one embodiment described herein,the valve 50 is designed to prevent all flow of fuel into the standpipe30 when no filter cartridge is installed or when an improper filtercartridge is installed, but permit flow into the standpipe when acorrectly designed filter cartridge is installed.

In alternative embodiments described herein, the valve can be designedto allow limited flow of fuel into the standpipe 30 when no filtercartridge is installed or when an improper filter cartridge isinstalled. This limited flow allows lubrication of downstreamcomponents, such as a fuel pump, but is insufficient to allow the engineto operate.

The valve 50 will be described as being used with the filter cartridge14 described above. However, it is to be realized that the concepts ofthe valve 50 can be utilized with other filter cartridge designs, suchas with single stage filter cartridges.

The tip end 34 of the standpipe 30 is open, and the valve 50 is securedin the open tip end as shown in FIG. 8. The valve 50 includes a valvecage 170, a valve cap 172, and a ball 174. The valve cage 170 includes aportion that is configured to fit within the end 34 of the standpipe 30.In the case of the oval-shaped standpipe, the portion of the valve cage170 within the standpipe will be generally oval-shaped to fit closelywithin the standpipe.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, the valve cage 170 has a side wall180, and a reduced diameter section 182 extends from the base of theside wall 180 that is press fit or otherwise secured into the end of thestandpipe 30. When inserted into the standpipe, the base of the reduceddiameter section 182 rests on a shoulder 184 formed inside thestandpipe. To aid in retaining the section 182 in the standpipe, theouter surface of the section 182 is provided with ribs 186 which engagewith the interior surface of the standpipe.

The valve cage 170 is generally hollow and is divided by a wall 192 thatextends from one side of the side wall 180 toward the opposite side. Thewall 192 connects to a wall 194 that extends upwardly to a top wall 196that connects to the opposite side wall 180. As shown in FIG. 9A, thewall 192 includes an arcuate section 200 that forms a track for the ball174. The section 200 slopes downward from the will 194 to the side wall180. The wall 194 includes a circular opening 204 therein that placesthe exterior of the cage 170 in communication with the interior of thecage 170 and the flow passage 36. The ball 174 is configured to rollalong the track 200 and can block the opening 204 to prevent fuel flowinto the standpipe.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the track 200 includes a step 206 thatrestricts the ball 174 from inappropriately rolling up the track 200 andblocking the opening 204. The step 206 separates the track 200 into afirst track section 200 a and a second track section 200 b. In addition,the wall 194 is disposed at an acute angle β, for example about 85degrees, relative to a horizontal axis. Angling of the wall 194 in thismanner minimizes the chances of the ball 174 getting stuck in positionblocking the opening 204. Further, a rib 208 is disposed inside the cap170 immediately behind the opening 204. The rib 208 limits how far theball 174 can penetrate into the opening 204 which aids in preventing theball 174 from remaining in a position blocking the opening 204.

The cage 170 also includes an opening 222 that is formed through theside wall 180 that place the exterior of the cage 170 in fluidcommunication with the interior of the cage 170, and thus incommunication with the opening 204 and the interior of the standpipe.The opening 222 is positioned on the side wall 180 at a position that isadjacent to the lower end of the track 200 such that when the ball 174is at the lower end of the track, as shown in FIG. 8, the ball 174 isdisposed in the opening 222.

The vertical height of the opening 222 is such that the ball 174 cannotescape out the opening 222. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment,the opening 222 is shaped such that the ball 174 cannot block the entireopening 222 and fuel can flow into the interior of the cage 170 when theball 174 is in the opening 222. For example, the opening 222 is shown asbeing generally oblong which, when the ball is at the position shown inFIG. 8, permits fuel to flow between the sides of the ball 174 and theends of the opening 222 and into the cage 170.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 10A-C, the valve cap 172 is oval-shapedand designed to be secured to the top of the valve cage 170. The cap 172can be secured to the cage 170 in any suitable manner, for example withan adhesive or using a thermal bond. When in place, the valve cap 172fits over the valve cage 170 to confine the ball 174 in the cage.

The side wall 224 of the cap 172 is generally conically shaped and anopening 226 extends through the top of the cap. The opening 226 permitsthe pin 114 on the filter cartridge 14 (or other pin designs describedherein) to extend therethrough when the cartridge is installed, with thepin 114 extending to a position adjacent the track 200 as shown in FIG.8. In that position, the pin 114 prevents the ball 174 from moving upthe track 200 and blocking the opening 204 when the cartridge 14 isinstalled.

A pair of protrusions 230, 232 are formed on the side wall 224, with theprotrusions 230, 232 including angled outer edges 234, 236. If thefilter cartridge 14 is not in the proper orientation duringinstallation, the protrusions 230, 232 will cause the filter cartridge14 to rotate to the correct orientation as a result of engagementbetween the opening 132/seal 138 on the end plate 68 and the protrusions230, 232, with the angled edges 234, 236 creating a sideways rotationalforce to cause the rotation of the filter cartridge. The oval, conicallyshaped side wall 224 without protrusions could also achieve thisauto-alignment. Therefore, the protrusions 230, 232 are optional.

The operation of the valve 50 should be apparent from the descriptionabove. When the filter cartridge 14 is not installed, gravity causes theball 174 to move to the end of the track 200 to the position shown inFIG. 8. When sufficient fuel pressure acts on the ball 174 with nofilter cartridge present, the ball 174 is forced up the track 200 to theclosed position blocking the hole 204.

Upon installation of the filter cartridge 14, the pin 114 extendsdownward to the position shown in FIG. 8, blocking the ball from movingup the track 200 to the closed position. In addition, the tabs 122 ofthe protective skirt 118 extend downward and surround the cage 170 andcap 172. As seen from FIG. 8, the tabs 122 extend downward to a positionadjacent the hole 222 and the ball 174. The gaps 124 between the tabs122 allow fuel to flow between the tabs 122 and into the opening 222,and ultimately into the standpipe.

Since the pin 114 blocks the track 200, the ball 174 cannot move to aposition blocking the opening 204. Under operating conditions, thepressure of the fuel will force the ball up the track and intoengagement with the pin 114. The opening 222 will be open allowing amaximum amount of fuel to enter the opening 222. The fuel flows past theball 174 and pin 114, into the opening 204, and into the flow passage 36of the standpipe to the outlet 26.

In one embodiment, when the ball 174 seats in the opening 204 when nofilter cartridge (or an incorrect filter cartridge) is installed, theflow of fuel into the standpipe is substantially completely prevented.In another embodiment, when the ball 174 seats in the opening 204, somefuel can be permitted to flow into the standpipe. The amount of fuelallowed past the ball 174 should be insufficient to permit engineoperation, but sufficient to provide lubrication to downstreamcomponents, for example the fuel pump, in the case of diesel fuel. Sincefuel flow need not be completely prevented, the ball and the opening 204described herein can be manufactured to less exacting tolerances, whichreduces the cost of manufacture. For example, the opening 204 could beformed with a shape that is similar to the shape of the opening 222,whereby when the ball seats in the opening 204 fuel can still flow pastthe ball. In other designs, the ball and/or the wall defining theopening 204 can be manufactured with grooves, channels or the like topermit fuel flow past the ball.

Therefore, the word prevention as used herein, unless indicatedotherwise either in the written description or claims, is meant toinclude complete shut off of fuel into the standpipe as well asincluding some flow of fuel into the standpipe, as long as the amount offuel that passes is insufficient to permit engine operation.

FIG. 11 illustrates a seal 450 that can fit in the opening 226 at thetop of the cap 172 (see FIG. 10A). The seal 450 prevents excessive entryof dirty, unfiltered fuel into the standpipe through the opening 226.The seal 450 is provided with a cross split hole 452 that allows passageof the pin 114 through the seal 450 and down toward the ball track toblock the ball.

FIG. 12 illustrates a seal 470 that is a variation of the seal 138 usedon the end plate 68 (see FIG. 3). The seal 470 is designed as a snap-onseal that engages via a snap fit with the flange on the end plate 68.The seal 470 includes a plurality of tabs 472 extending outwardly fromthe perimeter thereof that engage in grooves formed on the end plate 68to help retain the seal in place.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a variation of a sealing arrangementbetween a standpipe 600 and a filter cartridge 602. In this embodiment,a sealing plate 604 is provided that can be installed around thestandpipe 600. When the standpipe 600 is oval shaped, an oval shapedseal 606 (or a round seal if a round standpipe is used) is fixed to thesealing plate 604 prior to installing the plate 604. When the plate 604is installed on the standpipe 600, the seal 606 seals with the outsidesurface of the standpipe 600 to prevent leakage of unfiltered fuel. Theoutside surface 608 of the plate 604 is circular and is illustrated asbeing generally vertical and planar. The filter cartridge 602 caninclude a circular seal 610 that seals with the surface 608 of the plate604 when the cartridge is installed. This embodiment permits the filtercartridge 602 to have a circular seal design at the bottom thereof.However, the standpipe 600 and filter cartridge 602 can incorporate oneor more of the other concepts described above.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an embodiment where a filter cartridge 650includes an oval shaped opening 652 in a bottom end plate 654. An ovalshaped gasket groove 656 surrounds the opening 652. A circular seal 658is disposed in the oval shaped gasket groove 656. As the filtercartridge 650 is installed onto an oval shaped standpipe 670, the seal658 will conform to the oval shape of the standpipe 670 and groove 656,creating a seal that is oval in shape.

The pin 114 has been described above as being connected to the end plate66. However, alternative designs are possible. FIG. 15 illustrates anembodiment where a separate pin 700 is inserted into an opening in theupper end of a flow control valve 702 to block a ball 704 and preventthe ball from blocking an opening 706. A filter cartridge 708 without apin connected thereto can then be installed. The filter cartridge 708 isillustrated as being a single stage filter cartridge, although afilter-in-filter design similar to the filter cartridge 14 describedabove except with the pin 114 and the skirt 118 removed can be used. Thepin 706 can be any shape or size, as long as it is able to block theball 704.

Many of the concepts described above have utilized a standpipe in thefilter housing. However, many of the concepts described herein can beimplemented on fuel filter housings without standpipes.

For example, FIGS. 16A-F illustrate a flow restriction valve thatincludes a ball implemented at the base of a filter housing that isdevoid of a standpipe. With reference to FIG. 16A, a ball 920 is placedinside a sink 921 and is seated on an opening 905 of a fuel outlet 924.The outlet 924 is placed at the bottom of the sink 921, which is part ofa filter housing 922. The fuel outlet 924 can have an oval-shapedcross-section or it can have a circular shaped cross-section.

Adjacent to the ball 920 inside the sink 921 is a bellow gasket 926. Thebellow gasket 926 is attached to a side wall 919 of the sink 921, and isconnected to a return channel 930 that leads back to a fuel tank (notshown). In a closed position (FIG. 16A), the ball 920 prevents fluidfrom entering the outlet 924, such that fuel is forced to enter thebellow gasket 926 and flows back to the fuel tank through the returnchannel 930.

Movement of the ball 920 to an open position occurs as a result ofinstalling a correct filter cartridge 900. With reference to FIG. 16B,the cartridge 900 includes a circular endplate 903 and a bottomprotrusion 902. The endplate 903 is attached to the bottom region of thefilter cartridge 900 and has a diameter that is larger than the filtermedia 907 of the cartridge 900. The endplate 903 has a clean fuelpassageway (not shown) that is generally circular along its length. Theendplate 903 is provided with a notch 915, such that the notch keys witha corresponding ridge 916 inside the housing 922. The notch 915 andridge 916 prevent rotation of the cartridge 900 in the housing, and alsoensures that the correct filter cartridge is installed.

The bottom protrusion 902 is generally cylindrically shaped and ishollow. It has a diameter generally corresponding to that of the cleanfuel passageway of the endplate 903. The base opening 908 of the bottomprotrusion 902 is provided with a thin ventral fin 950 that runs acrossthe center of the opening 908. The ventral fin 950 is designed to causemovement of the ball 920 to an open position when the cartridge 900 isinstalled. The ventral fin 950 has a slanted edge 906, which has anacute angle alpha relative to a central, longitudinal axis A-A (FIG.16F), and a vertical edge 904 generally parallel to the axis A-A. Thefin 950 is thin enough to slide through a central slit 914 of a washer912 (FIG. 16C). The central slit 914 of the washer 912 positions thecartridge 900, and a plurality of holes 910 in the washer 912 allowsfuel to pass through.

With reference to FIGS. 16A, 16D and 16E, the washer 912 is placed on arim 932 of the sink 921. The rim 932 and the sink 921 are generallycircular. The sink 921 has a depth that is larger than the diameter ofthe ball 920, and larger than the height of the bellow gasket 926. Theopening 905 of the outlet 924 is positioned in the center of the sink921. The bottom surface 933 of the sink 921 is provided with a bottleshaped channel 934. The bottle shaped channel 934 facilitates movementof the ball 920 toward the bellow gasket 926 when the cartridge 900 isinstalled.

The cartridge 900 is installed by aligning the notch 915 with the ridge916 and inserting the ventral fin 950 through the slit 914 of the washer912. When the ventral fin 950 extends through the slit 914, the slantedregion 906 of the ventral fin 950 pushes the ball 920 in a horizontaldirection relative to the axis A-A toward the bellow gasket 926. Whenthe flat end 909 on the tip of the ventral fin 950 sits inside the neckof the bottle shaped channel 934, the ball 920 is in an open position,seated in the bellow gasket to prevent fuel from entering the bellowgasket 926 and to allow fluid to flow through the outlet 924.

The ball 920 can be designed to prevent all fuel flow into the outlet924 when the ball is at the closed position. Alternatively, the ball 920can be designed to permit limited fuel flow into the outlet 924 whenclosed. For example, grooves or slots can be formed on the ball 920and/or on the wall defining the opening 905 that allow limited fuel flowwhen the ball is at the closed position. How limited fuel flow ispermitted past the ball 920 is not critical, so long as the amount offuel flow permitted at the closed position is insufficient to allow theengine to operate.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from thespirit or novel characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed inthis application are to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are intended to be embraced therein.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A fuel filter cartridge comprising: a filter mediathat is suitable for filtering fuel having a first end, a second endopposite the first end, and a clean fuel side; a bottom end plateattached to the second end of the filter media; and a protrusionextending downward from the bottom end plate, the protrusion having afuel passageway therein that is in fluid communication with the cleanfuel side of the filter media to receive filtered fuel, and theprotrusion having one or more openings that place the fuel passageway influid communication with an exterior of the protrusion.
 24. The fuelfilter cartridge of claim 23, wherein the filter media has a centralaxis, and the protrusion is coaxial to the central axis.
 25. The fuelfilter cartridge of claim 23, wherein the bottom end plate is providedwith a notch that keys with a corresponding ridge inside a fuel filterhousing when the filter cartridge is placed inside the fuel filterhousing.
 26. The fuel filter cartridge of claim 23, wherein theprotrusion is cylindrically shaped and is hollow.
 27. The fuel filtercartridge of claim 26, wherein the fuel passageway is circular along alength of the fuel passageway, and the diameter of the protrusioncorresponds to the diameter of the fuel passageway.
 28. The fuel filtercartridge of claim 23, wherein the protrusion has a base opening on anend opposite the bottom end plate, and wherein the protrusion isprovided with a fin that extends across the base opening and extendsdownward from the base opening.
 29. The fuel filter cartridge of claim28, wherein the fin has a slanted edge that has an acute angle relativeto a central axis of the filter media, and a vertical edge that isperpendicular to the central axis.
 30. The fuel filter cartridge ofclaim 29, wherein the protrusion is provided with a radial seal adjacentthe fin.
 31. The fuel filter cartridge of claim 23, wherein the bottomend plate has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the filtermedia.
 32. The fuel filter cartridge of claim 23, further comprising atop end plate attached to the first end of the filter media.